May 17, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Matilda A. "Tillie" Gricar age 90, of Versailles, died May 13, 2022, at home. Born May 1, 1932, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Philomena (Chiaverini) Como and the wife of the late Frank A. Gricar.
Tillie was the former co-owner of the Farmer's Fresh in McKeesport. She also worked for Bell Atlantic and was a manager at the Chestnut Inn in her earlier years. Tillie served as a Democratic Committee woman and had a love for politics. She also enjoyed cooking and baking.
Tillie is survived by her grandchildren, Charisse (Matthew) Richards and Perry Gricar; great-grandchildren, Xandria, Tabitha, Aryanna, Rilya, Matthew, and Victoria; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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May 16, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Rose "Honey" Judd age 96, of McKeesport, died May 11, 2022, at home. Born September 17, 1925, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Bidner) Yuscinsky.
Rose dedicated her life to caring for her family and was a devoted Christian. She enjoyed shopping and cooking. Rose was such a good soul, and everyone she met loved her.
Rose is survived by her daughter, Sally (Bill) Soles; grandchildren, Keith (Sharon) Soles, Kevin (Lori) Soles, Kimberly Soles, and Kurt (Chrissy) Soles; great-grandchildren, Leila Rose, Lindsey, and Kara; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Darlene Wagner; great-grandson, Bradley Soles.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
May 08, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jim” Ward, of White Oak,
died peacefully at home on May 5, 2022, shortly after celebrating his 65th birthday with his family. Loving husband to Sharon (née Kundman) of McKeesport, they were happily married for 43 years.
Jim worked for over 24 years as a housekeeping supervisor at Kane Hospital in Glen Hazel and later Mercy Behavioral Health. An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting until suffering a major stroke in 2010 that left him partially paralyzed. He also enjoyed annual family vacations to the beach. Jim will always be remembered as a hard-working, upbeat, fighter.
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May 04, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary J. Sarti, age 86, of Liberty Borough, died May 3, 2022, at UPMC Forbes Hospital. Born January 25, 1936, in Uniontown, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Bryner) Baytos and the wife of the late Armand V. "Herman" Sarti.
Mary dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She was a member of Liberty Presbyterian Church. Mary was an avid music lover.
Mary is survived by her son, Joseph (Marilyn) Sarti of Liberty Borough; step-children, Jo Louise (Ken) Sealy of Monessen, Dino (Jane) Sarti of Markelysburg, Kim Sarti of Kennedy Township, Armand (Jackie) Sarti of North Huntingdon, Toni Sarti of Monessen; grandchildren, Anthony (Paige Davis) Sarti and Angelyn (Ronald) Richardson; step-grandchildren, Michael, Dominic and Kristi Sarti; great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Riley, and Ronald Richardson; siblings, Martin (Mary Jane) Baytos of Brunswick, OH and Elizabeth Rose of OH; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was also preceded in death by a son, John Baytos and brother, DeWayne Bryner.
Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The funeral service will be on Monday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Entombment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
May 02, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Pastor Walter E. Patton, Jr., age 97, of Glassport, died April 27, 2022, at the Southwestern Veterans Center. Born September 19, 1924, in Versailles Twp., he was the son of the late Walter E. and Johanna (Hamilton) Patton and husband of the late Margaret (McRae) Patton for 74 years. Walter was a retired United Methodist minister. Over the years, he served the Lord and his people in many communities, including Verona, Coalport, Irvona, Glen Hope, Homestead, Highland Grove, Whitaker, and Glassport. Walter was a certified P.I.A.A. baseball umpire and football official and officiated many games throughout western Pennsylvania. He umpired Little League, Prep League, American Legion, and Daily News games, as well as fast and slow-pitch softball games. Volunteering and giving back to others was a fundamental mission for Walter. He was a docent at the Heinz History Center, an usher at the Benedum, and delivered Meals on Wheels up until he was 90 years old. He raised money and supported causes very important to him in Uganda. Walter retired as a rigger after 36 years of employment with US Steel National Works. A U.S. Army Corps Veteran, he served on the Island of Trinidad, England, and France. Walter was a proud 1942 graduate of McKeesport High School.
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April 28, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles Nickelson, age 103, of Elizabeth Township, died at home on April 27, 2022. Born January 8, 1919, in Mt. Oliver, he was the son of the late Nicholas (Nicolou) and Antonia (Bukes) Nickelson, who both immigrated from Mamarion, Greece, and beloved husband of the late Mary (Crne) Nickelson for over 60 years. Mr. Nickelson was a US Army Veteran who served on the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific during World War II. His infant son James was born and died in McKeesport during this period. Mr. Nickelson never saw his son.
When he returned home, he worked for his older brother James who owned the Penn Clair Hotel in Clairton. He and his wife Mary opened the St. Clair Restaurant in Clairton, which they operated for over 30 years until their retirement in the late 1970s. He worked in his family’s restaurants and candy shops as a young boy. He learned how to make chocolate candies from his older sister, Sophia, who owned the popular “Candy Land” in McKeesport. He continued to make chocolate candies for family and friends until he was about 95 years old. He had an excellent aptitude for mechanics and became computer literate in his 70s.
He was active daily on his desktop and laptop computers until days before his passing. Charles had an extensive knowledge and understanding of history, geography, and world events. He was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in White Oak. Uncle Charlie was one of the last surviving members of the “Greatest Generation,” and he will be missed.
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April 26, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Michael Regis Headings, age 79, of McKeesport, PA, died April 24, 2022 at Riverside Care Center in McKeesport PA.
Born on September 14, 1942, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late William and Evelyn (Hanley) Headings and the husband of the late Vivian (Brinkman) Headings.
In his free time, Michael enjoyed going to car shows.
Michael is survived by his daughters Darlene (Jeffrey) Jacko of Elizabeth Township PA and Renee (Gary) Hockey of Apopka FL; grandchildren, Lindsey (Colin) Lynch, Alyssa Jacko, and Cody Hockey; siblings, William (Fay) Headings of Lewistown PA and Mary Grace Morris of Port Vue PA and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Headings, and sister, Patricia Fryer.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home and Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
April 20, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Stella Phillips (Squillace-Gaydos), age 94 of White Oak, peacefully went Home on April 17, 2022, at the Palms alongside the many people who loved and cared for her for many years. Born February 24, 1928, in Duquesne, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Corinda (Pacifico) Squillace.
Stella had two wonderful husbands during her lifetime. The first being Emil Gaydos who sadly passed away at a very young age. Later in her life, she met and married her wonderful David E. Phillips who also sadly preceded her in death. She happily enjoyed her life with him and his children, son Keith (Ophelia) Phillips, and daughter Aleta (Steve) McGowan, both of Texas.
In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by siblings Theresa, Mary Lou, Dominic, and Joseph; sister-in-law Bernadine and nephew Joseph Squillace, Jr.
Stella was employed at many places during her life. She mostly enjoyed the fashion industry at the Famous and Jaison's in McKeesport and later at Sister's Fashions in White Oak. She had taken a break after Jaison's and was a keypunch operator at Vienna Baking Company, also in McKeesport, where she met her dear and lifelong friend, Sadie Masters.
Stella was a member of Mary Mother of God, St. Patrick Parish.
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April 19, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Karen Lawson, age 59, of Liberty Borough, died peacefully with her family by her side on April 15, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. Born July 11, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Roy Lawson and Carole (Findura) Lawson Hampton and life partner of the late Anthony "Tony" Piplica, Sr.
Karen lived with her father and took care of him until she was physically unable. She loved animals and leaves behind her cat named "Church."
Karen is survived by her children, Anthony "Tony" (Megan) Piplica, Jr., Holly Piplica, and Taylor Jefferson; grandchildren, Dominic, Isaac, and Zoey; siblings, Roy R. (MaryAnn) Lawson of McKeesport, Debra Bock of Versailles; also many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig funeral Home & Crematory.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 22, 2022, 12 p.m., at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Chuck Danforth, Supervisor
April 14, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Frances (Hopko) Legin, age 93, of Port Vue, died April 12, 2022, at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Born March 30, 1929, in Braddock, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Barlog) Hopko and the beloved wife for 53 years of the late George T. Legin Jr.
Mary Frances graduated from Braddock High School in 1946, and she was a graduate of Braddock Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. She worked as a registered nurse at Braddock General Hospital and McKeesport Hospital until her retirement.
Mary Frances was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, formerly Saint Joseph Parish and Saint Mark Parish, where she was an active member of the Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild, volunteered as a weekly money counter and parish festival worker. She was also a former member and past president (3 terms) of the Port Vue Senior Citizens. Mary Frances was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association Branch S218, where she served as a branch officer for many years. She was also an active member of the South Allegheny Band Parents, where she served as president and in other leadership roles. For the past three years, Mary Frances resided at Fair Oaks Senior Living, where she enjoyed many activities, including bingo and playing cards.
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April 14, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Marjorie A. O'Gurkis, age 86, of McKeesport, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 10, 2022, with family at her side. Born September 26, 1935, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Edwin and Clara (Lowenstein) Canfield. On April 28, 1956, she married Edmund J. O'Gurkis, who preceded her in death on April 28, 2005.
Marjorie was a graduate of McKeesport H.S. and was employed by G.C. Murphy Co. as an administrative secretary before returning to staying at home to raise her children. After her children were grown, she worked as a nurse's aide at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport for many years. She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church, and a Christian Mother. She was also an active member of the Renzie Seniors, the Task Force, and Lifespan.
Marjorie loved to play piano and care for animals, especially her cat, Boots. But most of all, she treasured time spent with her Grandchildren. She said they were her greatest riches! Marjorie was a genuinely kind and compassionate lady whose bright smile brought joy to all she met. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
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April 12, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
James G. "Gary" Celovsky, age 61, of Munhall, died April 6, 2022, at home. Born November 20, 1960, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Michael Celovsky and Audrey (Shepherd) and Sonny Jordan and the husband of Jacqueline (King) Celovsky.
James was the owner-operator of the former Heritage Harley-Davidson of McKeesport. He enjoyed trips to Bike Week in Daytona, Florida. Gary loved family gatherings and fireworks at the 4th of July celebrations.
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April 12, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Virginia E. Winters, age 92, of Port Vue, formerly of McKeesport, died April 10, 2022, at Promedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Monroeville. Born July 24, 1929, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Maximillion and Evelyn (Riley) Winters. Virginia worked for Thurman & Crown and then Dorothy's Candies as a candy maker, where she would retire from. She was an active member of Port Vue United Methodist Church and was always involved in church activities. Virginia was also a member of the Port Vue Seniors and volunteered with the Salvation Army for many years serving in many missions.
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April 04, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Marion Faye Ward, age 58, of McKeesport, died April 1, 2022, at home. Born June 11, 1963, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Shirley (Winemiller) Furman.
Marion enjoyed painting and collecting crystals. Marion always said her grand-babies were her heart.
Marion is survived by her children, Shirley (Brian) Ward, Lindsay (James) Ward, and Devon (Steve) Ward, all of McKeesport; son-at-heart, Bobby Hast of McKeesport; grandchildren, Dominic, Blake, Jayden, Raina (Isaac), Reese, Rumor, Tammy, Ryder, Edward, Sherry, Barbara, Travis, Synphony, Tyler, and Stephen; great-grandson, Jace; sisters, Deborah Furman of McKeesport and Sandra Furman Nolder of McKeesport; sister-at-heart, Robin Harbert of SC; and dog, Levi.
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April 04, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Edward "Eddie" Mitchell, age 66, died April 1, 2022, at home in McKeesport. He was born the eldest of six children on December 21, 1955, in Wilkinsburg, PA, to the late Smith Sr. and Juanita Mitchell. Eddie was a caring and devoted husband of the late Denise Mitchell. For many years he was a painter and owner of Mitchell's Painting. He retired as a supervisor in Environmental Services at U.S. Steel. Eddie was a diehard Steeler fan and loved watching the games. He also enjoyed going to the casino, cracking jokes, and having fun with his brothers and best friend, Ted. Eddie was a loving father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend.
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